Classes at Travis Early College High School were canceled Aug. 17-Aug.18 after district police officials said a 15-year-old female student was found that morning dead on campus.
What you need to know
During a media conference at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 17, Austin ISD Police Chief Wayne Sneed said there is no immediate danger to anyone on campus.
What happened
Sneed said a police officer was flagged down on the campus around 7:30 a.m. by staff and was informed a female believed to be between the ages 15-20 was found hanging from a tree on the rear side of the high school. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services officials responded to the campus at 7:41 a.m. and declared the female deceased on the scene at 7:55 a.m.
No students are believed to have witnessed the scene, Sneed said, as staff members quickly secured a perimeter around the area.
Sneed said students who were still on buses were returned back to their pickup locations. Officials said directly after the incident, they began coordinating transportation home for those students who were already on campus—such as band students who practice in the mornings due to extreme heat in the afternoons.
Quote of note
"She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her," TECHS Principal Elizabeth Salinas said in an email sent to parents the afternoon of Aug. 17. "Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this extremely difficult time."
Going forward
Salinas said licensed mental health professionals will provide emotional support to students and staff members who need it on Aug. 18 at the school, 1301-1399 E. Oltorf St., Austin, from 9 a.m.-noon.
"Families may bring their children to the front of the school to receive the counseling services," Salinas said. "We will greet you at your car to sign your child in, who should be ready with their student ID number."
Salinas said support for parents will be available during that time across the street at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf St., Austin.
